As Phase 1 of a Site Contamination Assessment a Desk Study should be carried out. This is the first stage and the regulatory authorities’ minimal requirement for the Site Contamination Assessment and its aim is to identify any potential risks and hazards in relation to the previous site uses.

The related guidance for example; Planning Policy Statement PPS23, are quite specific in the requirements for assessing the risks posed by potentially contaminated land development.

Our Desk Study includes a review of the following features:

• Geology and Hydrogeology

• Historical Mapping of the site and surrounding area

• Environmental Disclosure Report

• Local Authority and in-house records and data

• Site Walkover Survey

• Conceptual Contamination Model

• Qualitative Risk Assesment

After the Phase 1 - Desk Study has been submitted a decision will be made as to the requirements of the continuation of the Site Contamination Assessment to Phase 2 – Intrusive Investigation. If no unacceptable risks were identified during the Desk Study phase it is usual for the regulatory authorities to discharge any related planning conditions at this stage.

The cost of a Desk Study also includes for a normal amount of liaison with the concerned regulatory authorities allowing smoother progression of the Site Contamination Assessment part of a planning application.

TSL can also carry out geotechnical desk studies prior to Geotechnical Site Investigation to allow better assessment of the requirement for and focus of site works and testing